Terry sinks Manchester United to extend Chelsea’s lead

Chelsea moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after John Terry’s late goal clinched a 1-0 win over champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have now equalled a club record of 11 successive home wins, edged a fiercely contested encounter when Blues captain Terry struck in the 76th minute from a disputed free-kick.

United, beaten for the third time this season, had a first half penalty appeal turned down when Terry tugged Antonio Valencia’s shirt.

Wayne Rooney went close after the break but Chelsea won it in the 76th minute when referee Martin Atkinson ruled that Darren Fletcher’s challenge on Ashley Cole was worthy of a foul.

Frank Lampard curled in the set-piece and Terry timed his run perfectly to glance a header past Edwin van der Sar into the far corner.